Nanoscale matrimeres to repair leaky blood vessels
Therapeutic nanoscale matrimeres
This project is developing tiny, cell-made particles called matrimeres to help seal and heal leaky blood vessels after tissue injury.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Michigan at Ann Arbor NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Ann Arbor, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11325941 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Researchers discovered that some cells release very small, non-vesicle particles called matrimeres that carry matrix proteins like fibronectin and DNA. These matrimeres can restore the signals endothelial cells need to rebuild tight junctions and stop vessel leakage. The team will re-create matrimeres from purified components, test how they restore endothelial barrier function in cell and animal models, and study their biodistribution and biocompatibility. Successful preclinical results would guide future designs for safe use in people.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with tissue injuries that cause leaky blood vessels or persistent edema—for example after severe infection or organ injury—would be the most likely future candidates.
Not a fit: Patients without vascular leakage problems or those with late-stage, irreversible fibrosis are unlikely to benefit from this early-stage work.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could reduce prolonged swelling, tissue damage, and scarring by restoring blood-vessel barrier function after injury.
How similar studies have performed: Related biomaterial and protein-based approaches have shown promise in lab studies for supporting vessel repair, but the specific matrimere concept is novel and has not yet been tested in people.
Where this research is happening
Ann Arbor, United States
- University of Michigan at Ann Arbor — Ann Arbor, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Shin, Jae-Won — University of Michigan at Ann Arbor
- Study coordinator: Shin, Jae-Won
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.